The Washington Post is correct today by headlining ``Obama allows indefinite detention,'' citing ``Guantanamo Bay Order Marks Shift'' as the ``U.S. also plans to resume trials by military commissions.'' I would like to commend the…

Damian Paletta of the Wall Street Journal reported on the study by the Government Accountability Office revealing bloated budgets in government programs. The study examined a number of Federal agencies and found duplicative overlaps…

Did SOCOM conduct a total life-cycle cost comparison between the M4 and SCAR before making its decision to not procure the SCAR at the original intended quantities?

Did SOCOM, at any time, reprogram money from the SCAR program? If so, was Congress informed in a timely manner and what effect has that action had on your budget for the SCAR since the reprogramming action?

SOCOM competed a new carbine in order to field a weapon that allows our Special Operators to more effectively engage a target at greater distances.

I want to thank you for your leadership in truly protecting our troops.

What is the total amount of Major Force Program (MFP)-11 dollars does SOCOM spend from its own funding in order to make the Army-provided M4 SOF specific?

I have supported the President's surge by sending 30,000 troops. That has actually encouraged Afghanis to have faith in their future.

I am interested in the Army's effort to compete Contractor Logistics Sustainment and Support (CLSS) contract for Route Clearance Vehicles (RCV) and the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) family of vehicles which has been carried out by…

To me, it is a classic case of where new recruits are trained, military opportunity is provided and our military service where young people can achieve to their highest potential.

We appreciate your commitment to providing our soldiers with improved small arms at both close combat range and long distance shots in the mountains of Afghanistan.

I can't imagine knowingly bringing to this committee an end strength that wouldn't give us at least one-to-two and we want to get to one-to-three.

How will the Army guarantee it does not simply award the contract to the lowest bidder, but focuses rather on a combination of quality, cost (life-cycle included), and manufacturing capability?

I am concerned obviously for the morale of the troops, for the families, their concerns and expectations of a career that could be in jeopardy.

Did the Army conduct an Analysis of Alternatives prior to initiating the new carbine competition? If so, will you provide the Committee a copy of the analysis?

Again, I want to thank you.

Last week, I participated in a congressional delegation to visit troops and fact-find in Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, and Afghanistan. Immediately upon arrival, we were given an optimistic assessment of the region by Ambassador Deborah Jones in…

the equipment I have is now 5 generations removed, and I say that complimentary.

I share the concern of Congresswoman Hartzler, too, that we are dealing with a well-financed enemy, sadly a very determined, educated enemy.

Yesterday marked the gruesome second anniversary of the administration's misnamed stimulus plan. When this irresponsible plan of massive spending was introduced, liberals promised unemployment would not exceed 8 percent. At that time…

I appreciate that the Air Force retention-oriented culture will have great difficulty with the involuntary officer separation/retirement actions being introduced.

On Monday, the proposed budget for next year was released by the current administration. This budget fails to address the issue of Washington's 4-year spending excess. The proposed budget freezes will not work. They will not provide a path…

Given that in FY11 the Air Force will use both voluntary and involuntary measures to reduce end-strength, why does it make sense for the Air Force in FY12 to add 600 people to its active duty end-strength?

It is my view that the conditions have even changed in the last month with the instability in the Middle East.

I am very concerned on the effect on dwell time. I am very concerned about the effect on morale, morale of the service members, on their families.